Pakistan showcases live-fire capabilities of its cutting-edge UCAV PHOTO/VIDEO

Pakistan's leading government-owned defence conglomerate, Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), showcased the live firing capabilities of its newest UCAV (unmanned combat aerial vehicle), Shahpar II, to senior military representatives from 11 allied nations.

The Shahpar II drone, classified as a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle, was unveiled in the Pakistani city of Bahawalpur, according to Overclockers. During the demonstration, the drone used Burq air-to-surface guided missiles to effectively engage targets from an altitude of over 4 kilometres. During the event, the strike drone demonstrated high accuracy and firepower by neutralising all ground targets.

Pakistan's leading government-owned defense conglomerate, Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), showcases the live firing capabilities of its newest UCAV, Shahpar II (Block II), to senior military representatives from 11 allied nations, including 🇦🇿🇰🇪🇳🇬🇮🇶🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/jqkYddRNq3

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CEO GIDS highlighted that Shahpar II Block II is being marketed as a more potent and affordable solution with much affordable operating costs than its Chinese and Turkish counterparts like CH4 and TB2.

GIDS management has also revealed that by April 2024 it will be testing its other air-delivered ordnances like the BURQ-II with 20kg warhead, lighter versions of Burq and its Laser Guided Bombs designed for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Military officials from Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Nigeria, Kenya and other allied countries were among the dignitaries invited to the UAV firing demonstration.

The Shahpar II drone carries the new Zumr-2-HD optical sensor and two Barq-1 missiles.

The sensor suite, known as Zumr-II Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR), is manufactured by Advanced Engineering Research Organisation (AERO), a subsidiary of GIDS, at its manufacturing facility near Islamabad.

The Shahpar-II drone can fly for up to 14 hours.

Based on its predecessor, the Shahpar I UAV, the Shahpar II has received several upgrades and improvements. In particular, its armed version can carry a substantial payload with a flight time of 7 hours.

The Shahpar II can reach targets up to 1,000 kilometres away. For precision strikes, it uses a laser targeting system to pinpoint the target before launching the missile. The UAV has a modular airframe design of advanced composite and metallic materials combined with improved aerodynamics.

Key features of the Shahpar platform include autonomous take-off and landing capabilities, a robust autopilot system, user-friendly mission planning software, reliable data links and compatibility with a wide range of electro-optical devices. With a length of 8 metres and a wingspan of 9.45 metres, the drone can carry an internal payload of up to 53 kilograms and an external payload of up to 190 kilograms.

The drone can reach a maximum speed of 120 knots (approximately 220 kilometres per hour). The drone has an operating ceiling of 23,000 feet (about 7,000 metres) for reconnaissance missions and 21,000 feet (6,100 metres) for combat missions, making it a versatile platform suitable for a wide range of operational scenarios.

In-flight engine restart is possible. It is also capable of communicating with satellites around the clock to ensure continuous operational performance. The Shahpar-II has already entered service with the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force. It will make its first public appearance at the Pakistan Day Parade on March 23, 2021.